ALVANLEY’S quest for promotion from Division One stuttered on Saturday with defeat at fellow challengers Mere.

At just 16 years old, Steve Charles did well to open the batting in the conditions with Andy Bennion and the duo put on a 44 opening partnership for Alvanley.

Bennion top-scored with 25 but no-one really settled at the crease and Alvanley closed on 127-9.

Mere began well after the break and were comfortable at 54-0. Jez Brummitt came on to get Alvanley back in the game, snaring an lbw immediately but the pitch improved and Mere eased to a seven-wicket victory, scoring 128-3.